Jazz Fest begins this weekend. I wish we were going, and I've been getting little reminders of New Orleans all day that make the desire more acute. This morning I spotted a car with a "Make Levees, Not War" bumper sticker--no doubt its driver was one of Nashville's many Katrina exiles. Then I came home to find an email from a friend praising the beauty of Sidney Bechet's "Blackstick." And without even being aware of it, I just wandered over to my perfume shelves and dabbed on Bourbon French's Marguerite, a scent that always brings fond memories of New Orleans. I hope everybody's having a great time down there.
That note you hold, narrowing and rising, shakes
Like New Orleans reflected on the water,
And in all ears appropriate falsehood wakes,
Building for some a legendary Quarter
Of balconies, flower-baskets and quadrilles,
Everyone making love and going shares...(more)
From "For Sidney Bechet" by Philip Larkin, 1964
NPR profile of Sidney Bechet
Photo of a Storyville prostitute by E.J. Bellocq, early 20th century. Image via Wikimedia Commons
4 comments:
I pray the dosh helps their flagging economy, and that all goes well.
In my dreams, I'll be there with you, my love.
God, I've ALWAYS loved that photo.
Crazy stockings! I want some!
Gracie, why don't you go?
That little tart looks so cool....
That photo is amazing. I love all those E.J. Bellocq Storyville photographs. I may do a whole post on them soon.
We pondered going, Renee, but we're both crazy/busy at the moment. I do want to go sometime next month, though, before it gets too miserably hot.
Post a Comment